To our Sherrill-Kenwood Water District and City of Sherrill wastewater customers,

The Sherrill-Kenwood Water Board and City Commission have instituted a customer service charge of $6.50 for wastewater and $8.50 for water per bi-monthly billing beginning in 2009.  Both Boards arrived at this decision after careful consideration.  City staff and Boards reviewed both expenses and revenues for the past several years, in addition to the future needs of the systems.  This review resulted in the following:

As related to both systems overall Residential/Commercial billable flow has steadily declined by more than 11% in water and 9% in wastewater between 2005–2008, causing a decline in anticipated revenue for both.  The 2009 budget anticipates the reduction of billable flow to continue.  While one would expect our expenses to be reduced as flow declines, in reality this is not the case.  Many expenses are not affected by swings in flows.  Some expense examples are equipment, repairs, personnel costs, and capital expenses.  In fact our estimate suggests that nearly 70% and 60% of the wastewater and water respectively are not proportional to flows. 

These revenue shortfalls for the past several years have been offset by the use of fund balances.  These funds are now at minimal levels and should not be utilized any further.  The past couple of years we have taken actions to reduce expenses, delay certain repairs and defer equipment purchases.  In order to properly maintain these systems, delaying such activity should not be prolonged. 

In addition to the causes listed the water system was faced with a 20 percent plus increase from our supplier, the City of Oneida.  The Water Board and a representative from Oneida met to better understand this sizable increase.  Oneida explained their need for this increase and hinted that additional increases may follow in 2010 and beyond.  Water purchase is the largest expense in the budget.  This one item will continue to place upward pressure on water rates in the Sherrill-Kenwood Water District.

In an effort to help reduce the impact of these needed increases, we are exploring a possible “budget” program that will afford users the opportunity to have level bi-monthly payments.  Any decisions to implement this program will be made in the spring.  Please contact City Hall should you have further questions.  Thank you for your understanding. 

The following dates and times have been reserved for open bowling during the month of January.  Call the CAC for possible other times, questions or to arrange for a bowling party.  363-6525. Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Wednesdays 14th, 21st & 28th 11:30am – 1:30pm
Friday January 9th evening 6 - 11
Fridays 16th, 23rd & 30th evenings 9:30 – 11:00
Saturdays afternoons 1:30 – 5:00 and evenings 9 – 11:30
Sundays afternoons 12:30 – 5
 
Holiday:  Martin Luther King Monday January 19th afternoon 12:30 – 5

Bob Comis, Assessor for the City of Sherrill, has established the following
dates and times to process 2009 exemptions by the March 2nd deadline.  They are
January 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 30, February 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6th from 9 a.m. – noon; also February 25, 26, 27 and March 2  from 9 – 3 pm.  In addition, he is at Sherrill City Hall Monday through Friday and would be available for an appointment if that were more convenient for you. Contact Bob at City Hall 363-2440.